George M. Steinbrenner Field: The Rays' Temporary Home
When Hurricane Milton struck Florida in October 2024, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg sustained severe damage, leaving the Tampa Bay Rays without a stadium for the 2025 season. The solution: temporarily relocating to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the New York Yankees.
This unusual situation means Rays fans are experiencing major league baseball in a very different environment than they're used to. Steinbrenner Field holds approximately 11,026 fans — roughly a quarter of Tropicana Field's capacity — and has the intimate feel of a spring training facility rather than a traditional MLB park. For shade purposes, the smaller footprint and the stadium's distinctive orientation create some interesting dynamics.
Why Shade Matters Here
Tampa's climate is no joke. Summer afternoon temperatures regularly reach the low to mid-90s with high humidity, and without a dome or retractable roof, direct sun exposure at a day game can quickly become uncomfortable. Tropicana Field was fully enclosed, so Rays fans may be unaccustomed to dealing with sun exposure at baseball games — making this guide especially useful for the 2025 season.
Steinbrenner Field Sun and Shade Overview
Here's where things get interesting: Steinbrenner Field has a north-northwest-facing orientation (316°), meaning home plate faces to the south-southeast and center field points to the north-northwest. This is the opposite of most American ballparks, which typically face northeast.
Because home plate faces south-southeast, the first base side of the stadium faces northeast, while the third base side faces southwest. In afternoon games, when the sun is tracking through the southwest sky, the third base side faces directly toward the sun. The first base side faces northeast — away from the afternoon sun — and is the shaded side for afternoon games.
This is the reverse of what most baseball fans expect. At the majority of MLB parks, you look for third base shade. At Steinbrenner Field, look for first base shade.
Best Shaded Sections
Afternoon Day Games (2:00–4:00 PM)
For afternoon starts, the first base side sections are your best option. The sun's position in the south and southwest means that first base line sections face away from the direct sunlight, and the stadium's upper structure and overhangs block the sun from reaching those lower sections.
The area behind home plate also receives some shade as the afternoon progresses, as the stands above and behind create coverage.
Morning and Early Afternoon Games
For games with a noon or 1:00 PM start, the sun is still in the east/southeast portion of the sky. During these early games, the third base side may actually receive shade initially, with the pattern shifting as the sun moves south and then southwest through the afternoon.
The Spring Training Ballpark Experience
Steinbrenner Field was designed as a spring training facility, and it shows. The park has a more casual, relaxed atmosphere than a typical major league venue. Sight lines are intimate, there's no bad seat from a distance standpoint, and the capacity keeps crowd noise concentrated.
The smaller scale means shade from stadium structures is somewhat more limited than at a full-size ballpark with multiple deck levels. This makes it especially important to choose the right side of the stadium for afternoon games. Sunscreen and wide-brim hats are strongly recommended for summer day games regardless of your seating location.
Seasonal Guide
Spring (March–May): Florida springs are warm but manageable. First base side sections have comfortable afternoon shade. April and May games are generally pleasant if you're on the shaded side.
Summer (June–August): Peak Tampa heat. Afternoon day games will be hot for anyone in direct sun. First base side is essential for shade. Bring extra water, apply sunscreen before arrival, and consider a portable fan. The enclosed suites and premium areas may offer air-conditioned refuge during particularly intense games.
Fall (September–October): Tampa's fall remains warm longer than most MLB cities, so shade continues to matter through the final weeks of the season. First base side sections remain the better choice for afternoon starts.
Pro Tips for Steinbrenner Field
Since this is a spring training facility operating as a major league venue, some amenities may differ from what you'd expect at a full MLB ballpark. Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the layout before the game begins.
Given Tampa's summer heat and this stadium's outdoor, spring-training-scale configuration, first base side shade selection is particularly important. Check The Shadium for real-time shade calculations showing exactly which sections will be in the shade at your specific game time — so you can choose the most comfortable seats at this temporary but charming Rays home.